Automatic rim replacing mechanism for tire uniformity inspecting machines

Abstract

An automatic rim replacing mechanism for a tire uniformity inspecting machine, the replacing mechansim comprising: an upper spindle having rotating means for rotation about an axis concentric with the axis of a tire to be inspected; an upper rim releasably fixed to the upper spindle by a lock means provided on the upper spindle; a lower spindle detachably connectible to a lift member of a rim lifter movable up and down in the axial direction of the tire; a lower rim assembled with and retained on the lower spindle; coupling means fittingly engageable in concentric relation with the axis of the tire for releasably coupling the upper and lower spindles; and rim retaining means provided on the lower rim or spindle for holding the upper rim when released from the upper spindle.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. An automatic rim replacing mechanism for tire uniformity inspecting machine, said rim replacing mechanism comprising: an upper spindle provided with rotating means for rotation about an axis concentric with the axis of a tire to be inspected;   an upper rim releasably fixed to said upper spindle by a lock means;   a lower spindle detachably connectible to a lift member of a rim lifter movable up and down in the axial direction of said tire;   a lower rim assembled with and retained on said lower spindle;   coupling means fittingly engageable in concentric relation with the axis of said tire for releasably coupling said upper and lower spindles; and   rim retaining means provided on said lower rim for holding said upper rim thereon when released from said upper spindle.   
     
     
       2. An automatic rim replacing mechanism as set forth in claim 1, wherein said lock means for said upper rim comprises: a locking groove formed on a peripheral portion of said upper rim, and a locking hook member mounted on the outer periphery of said upper spindle and movable up and down in said locking groove by operation of an eccentric shaft for engaging and disengaging said locking groove. 
     
     
       3. An automatic rim replacing mechanism as set forth in claim 1, wherein said lock means for said upper rim comprises: a rod movable up and down in an axial center bore of said upper spindle, and a collet chuck provided at the lower end of said rod for releasably holding a lock member provided on the part of said upper rim. 
     
     
       4. An automatic rim replacing mechanism for tire uniformity inspecting machine, said rim replacing mechanism comprising: an upper spindle having rotating means for rotation about an axis concentric with the axis of a tire to be inspected;   an upper rim releasably fixed to said upper spindle by a lock means;   a lower spindle detachably connectible to a lift member of a rim lifter movable up and down in the axial direction of said tire;   a lower rim assembled with and retained on said lower spindle;   coupling means fittingly engageable in concentric relation with the axis of said tire for releasably coupling said upper and lower spindles;   rim retaining means provided on said lower rim for holding said upper rim thereon when released from said upper spindle; and   transfer means located on one side of said rim lifter and carrying at least two rim assemblies for different tire sizes each including an upper, a lower rims and a lower spindle, said transfer means being movable to set a selected rim assembly in a position immediately above said lift member of said rim lifter.   
     
     
       5. An automatic rim replacing mechanism as set forth in claim 4, wherein said lock means for said upper rim comprises: a locking groove formed on a peripheral portion of said upper rim, and a locking hook member mounted on the outer periphery of said upper spindle and movable up and down in said locking groove by operation of an eccentric shaft for engaging and disengaging said locking groove. 
     
     
       6. An automatic rim replacing mechanism as set forth in claim 4, wherein said lock means for said upper rim comprises: a rod movable up and down in an axial center bore of said upper spindle, and a collet chuck provided at the lower end of said rod for releasably holding a lock member provided on the part of said upper rim.